Some Comments
Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! There are a few people who have posted comments on some older posts, but I think they deserve their own post.
From Sarah:
I have a Scooba and it does not avoid the carpet. My carpet is divided from the kitchen linoleum by a thin metal strip. There is no height differential. The carpet is beige and the linoleum is white. The Scooba just zips right over the threshold. Until I get another virtual wall (it needs more virtual walls to come with it standard!), I just put an object there or stand there and let it bounce off my feet.
From John:
Scooba F O R C E S You To Use Clorox Solution
Got my Scooba today, will be sending it right back. We do not use smelly cleaning solutions in my house.
I had assumed I could just use water w/ the product - who cares about voiding the warranty - my right. Well, there is a sensor that detects for the product. Not only that, it is quite accurate. I tried 1/4 recommended mix , 1/2, 2/3, but would only work with the exact specified mix amount. Got a “check tank” error otherwise.
Really sucks! It is amazing that they would implement technology to enforce a marketing arrangement. Is this even legal?
Thanks so much for your helpful comments.
Per iRobot here is what they say about the cleaning solution that the “Scooba FORCES to Use Clorox” person complaints about:
“Certain tap water (depending on where you live) does not have the
electronic conductivity necessary to activate Scooba’s tank sensors.
iRobot does not recommend using other cleaning solutions with Scooba,
but you may use a dilute vinegar and water solution. You should mix
2oz. of vinegar with a full tank of water to create the conductivity
necessary to activate Scooba’s tank sensors.
Clorox Scooba cleaning solution is specially formulated for use with
Scooba. Through a partnership with Clorox, we developed a cleaning
solution that has special characteristics that make it work especially
well with Scooba. These characteristics include:
Low Foam. Clorox Scooba cleaning solution does not create as much foam
as many common cleaning solutions. Scooba’s cleaning system pumps a
small amount of fresh cleaning solution onto the floor. If the
solution becomes foamy inside the robot, Scooba’s ability to pump the
cleaning solution is diminished.
High Traction. Clorox Scooba cleaning solution is a “high traction”
liquid. Many common cleaning solutions create a soapy, slippery film
on the floor. To maximize Scooba’s ability to drive around on the
floor in areas it just cleaned, we developed a solution that does not
create this slippery film.
Conductive. Scooba’s Cleaning solution, like many cleaning solutions,
is slightly conductive. By adding the solution to water, you create a
solution that Scooba’s Clean tank sensors can look for. If the
robot “sees” solution in the tank, it continues cleaning. If the robot
does not see solution in the tank, it assumes that the cleaning cycle
is complete. In the event that the solution is not conductive, Scooba
cannot “see” the water in the clean tank, and it assumes that the
cycle is complete.
The Clorox Scooba cleaning solution is also formulated to be non-
corrosive to Scooba’s tanks and other parts. Other cleaning solutions
can damage Scooba’s electronics, especially if they foam up inside the
robot. For this reason, use of other cleaning solutions voids Scooba’s
warranty.”
Comment by THX-1138 — December 29, 2005 @ 10:31 pm
I have to counter these comments. My experience with the scooba has been nothing shy of fanatastic. I’ve been given the title of “Best Gift Giver of the Year”. We have a very large, very porous tile floor in the kitchen and extending into the dining room.
I estimate this is about a 30′ by 15′ room. The floor is very tough to clean by hand. I normally put all the chairs and what not in about a 10′ by 10′ section of the room and rope it off with a virtual wall.
The results of running the scooba on the floor is better than anything I have obtained by hand. It’s nozzles get down into the pourous areas and suck the dirt out. The floor has definitely never been cleaner.
For about 10min of setting up and cleaning the scooba I get well over and hours worth of work by hand done. And setting up and cleaning the scooba is MUCH easier than scrubbing this floor.
To all the people whining about the solution, it’s $25 for a pack of 5, 32oz bottles. That’s at least 6 months of cleaning solution. The stuff is cheaper than Pinesol and works very well.
Cheers to iRobot for saving my back!
Comment by Ian — January 3, 2006 @ 12:30 pm
I saw the scooba at the SI store and considered buying it. I have chemical sensitivites though and cannot tolerate fragrances or other VOC’s. Does the Clorox cleaner have a strong lingering odor from either?
Comment by DLO — January 22, 2006 @ 5:15 am
I’ve been running the scooba every day for the last week, two to three consecutive times on one charge, and it’s been great. I divide my 15×50 ceramic-tiled family room in half with the virtual wall, clean one half, then move the couches and clean the other half. We have a shedding dog who tracks dirt in during the day, so running it at night on half the room and then in the morning on the other half has worked out terrific, saving lots of time.I also clean my kitchen every other day with it, it goes under the tables and chairs and though seems stuck occasionally, eventually follows the walls/chair legs until it gets itself out.I can’t agree with the person complaining about plain water not working - I live in LA and have run it with warm tap water every time, and haven’t had a problem yet. The clorox solution is too expensive for my frequency of cleaning, I put in about 1/8 cup every other time and it’s been happy with that.Great product overall, I never realized exactly how dirty my floors were until I started cleaning out that tank every day. I’m now mostly interested in what its lifespan will be like. Its wheels are already squeaking a bit when it runs, after maybe 30-40 cleaning cycles. Pity, that.
Comment by sai — January 25, 2006 @ 2:18 am
I just picked up my Scooba from Sharper Image and used it to clean my white tile floors. I used 2 oz. vinegar with a full tank (1 liter) of water and it did an outstanding job on the floors. They’ve never been cleaner - even the grout is a few shades whiter. I would highly recommend Scooba to those who don’t like mopping.
Comment by TBL — January 29, 2006 @ 8:58 pm
Just wondering if your grout is flush with the tiles or indented? Thanks
Comment by kathy — February 13, 2006 @ 10:28 am
I am also sensitive to fragrance - the Clorox cleaning solution required for use in the Scooba was very strong and lingering, not appropriate for anyone with MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity) or senstitive to perfume, deodorizer, etc. I called Scooba support and asked if they would be making an unscented version of the cleaning product, and was told that it was not planned. They did not offer the vinegar/water solution advice, but I plan to try it - if it doesn’t work I will sadly be returning the Scooba.
Comment by fragrance free fanny — April 8, 2006 @ 7:24 am
I’m not a fan of the floor cleaner either. Finding out that I can only use the Clorox cleaner was a real let down. A not-so-chemically product would be much preferred. Or, better yet ! Let us be the consumers and give us options on the products we can use ! I otherwise really like the robot and think it does a wonderful job. But I might return it because I don’t trust the cleaning solution on my hardwood floors. Any comments from irobot about the safety of the Clorox solution on hardwood floors ? Is it as safe as Murphy’s Oil Soap (my preference) ?
Comment by Rachael — May 17, 2006 @ 11:34 pm
“Is this legal?” Of course it is! Clorox spent R&D money on developing a solution that works with iRobot’s product. Why shouldn’t they get a return on their investment?
There’s probably not a large market for the Scooba juice anyway, so other cleaning solution companies probably aren’t terribly interested, even if they did the R&D to create something that was viable. Are there enough customers or high enough margins to entice other companies? I doubt it. Maybe eventually there will be, but for now I’m afraid you’re stuck with the Clorox solution (no pun intended).
Comment by Margaret — August 1, 2006 @ 4:20 pm
When first charging the SCOOBA battery the charging light may stay on continuously for several minutes before it starts to slowly blink. This is NOT covered in the manual and was a source of confusioin when emailing with IRobot. A phone call cleared it up. Although not mentioned in the manual a steady charging light for a period of time before the blinking starts is NOT a problem.
Hope this prevents someones potential anxiety.
Here is some iRobot humor: A new guy in configuration management at iRobot (they also make military robots) mixed up some software and as I write this there are terrorist’s caves in Afghanistan being tidied up by robots while here in the US several housewives are being intimidated by military minded vacuum cleaners.
Patrick_G, proud owner of Roomba and Scooba
Comment by Patrick — August 11, 2006 @ 10:23 am
I’ve used a natural lavendar cleaner by “The Method” diluted in my scooba and it worked fine. The vinegar will probably be even better on my hardwood floors. Thanks for the tip.
Comment by Pam — August 31, 2006 @ 9:25 pm
Scooba seemed like the perfect aid for our family (okay, for my wife), until 3 seconds into our first use when we got the “check tank” light, like several others have reported. We did all the usual and unusual tricks recommended, but to no avail. We returned it, after I first considering trying out my new sledge hammer on it. Some of the chemistry comments and responses on this site have given me a thought that makes me willing to try another unit. We use a water softener in our home, and perhaps the carefully measured Clorox solution foamed too much, in combination with the soft water. Any responses to this thought are appreciated before I search the local stores for another one.
Comment by Mike V — January 8, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
Received a Scooba for a surprise Christmas gift from my husband. Have to say I am thrilled with the performance of the Robot. I have all white tile flooring on the first floor and never saw my floors so clean. It also has a very pleasant smell and nice shine when floor is finished. Thanks!
Comment by Barb — January 14, 2007 @ 10:13 am
Where is the best place/site to buy the cleaning solution?
Thanks!
Comment by Catherine — January 17, 2007 @ 10:12 pm
Can you get the cleaning solution from any stores like Bed Bath And Beyond or Walmart or just from the website? I like the way the Clorox cleans but I want to know if the vinegar and water leaves any residue?
Comment by Linda Rosin — January 20, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
Just wanted to let you know that if you buy this from Hammacher Schlemmer they have a lifetime unconditional warrany on anything you buy from them. I got the 5900 for $299.
Comment by Linda Rosin — January 20, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
I am wondering if many people use the cleaning solution on their wood floors. When we bought our house, the guy who finished the wood floors said I should only ever use water and if I did need something to use just a teaspoon of vinegar. This was maybe 5 years ago. Does this cleaner really not damage the wood finish?
Comment by Bonnie — March 1, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
I also have the Scooba and the Roomba. Even though I love the Scoomba.. I have two negative comments about it… 1. It is not really made for vacuming… so.. I use the Roomba on my floors first and later the Scooba. 2. The Clorox issue.. I tried cleaning with the white vinegar and it leaves the house smealing really bad !!! My whole house was smealing salad (vinegar).. so I am forced of buying Clorox Scooba online. Is there any other place to buy this solution cheaper ?
Comment by Tatiana — March 17, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
I add peppermint oil to my water/vinegar mixture and it gets rid of the bad vinegar smell and smells minty instead.
Comment by Kelly — March 18, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Thank you for the suggestion Kelly ! Sounds like a great idea !
Last week after 2 year using my Roomba, it stopped completely, so I called IRobot to see how to fix the issue. After trying to solve the problem by a phone conversation, they offer me a brand new Roomba for just $98!!! (this because my roomba was out of warantee !!!) They rock !!
Comment by Tatiana — March 23, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
We are thinking of getting the scooba but have laminate flooors (pergo) Does anyone know if it is safe to use on these type of floors? I usually use a vinegar water solution on the floors already.
If it would work, the machine seems almost too good to be true.
Thanks for any advice.
Comment by becky — April 4, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
Wow! This thing works great. And for all you complaining about expensive cleaning solution???? 6 dollars for 32 oz. ??? Thats about .29 cents per tank you fill? Doesn’t makes sense. You would buy a scooba for $135 - $300. And complain about having to spend money for the cleaner?
Comment by John — August 15, 2007 @ 9:37 am
I am thinking about getting a scooba. I had two roombas, one of which arrived doa and the other of which required so much maintenance that I finally pitched it. So I looked for web info about the scooba before buying.
I am concerned about the Clorox solution, as perfumed stuff gives me raging headahes. In the old now disappeared yahoo roomba group, people were always hacking their roombas. Is the job of the sensor referred to above to detect when there is clean water/solution in the tank? If so, Might it be hacked so that plain water or water and some other cleaning solution could be used?
Comment by trudy — September 24, 2007 @ 6:18 am
hallo! i import scooba and it reveal problems when i tried to use a supposed comparized cleaner product called ” mastro lindo ” aqua active” with PH 0
but….does’nt work fine…
at the end i can feel the surface with something soaped ….mmm… and i can see sign of wheels on my floor of my scooba 380…
tomorrow i try with his demo clorox tank …i just used one times the first times…it remain another 3 check before….before definitly buy clorox….
my god is something absurd, crazy…from usa to italy i have to buy a cleaner product that in italy dont exist …
anyway i also tryed with vinegar ….and same problems…loook like the draining of wet floor dont work propely…i think is that pump too much water on floor and dont work propely when have to dry the 4 fase of scooba….dry the floor…
sorry for my bad english my friends…
CIAO A TUTTI! W SCOOBY!
i will post tomorrow with another check with vinegar ,, i think i have to use a little more of vinegar and a litle less of water….
i think the secret is something like alcool…the solution have to dry fast immediately after the scooba do the first pass.
i think there is something inside clorox like product that have to clean windows or glass…something with alcool…dry faster
i suggest mixin vinegar with a little bit of alcool for glass cleaning and oil essence like mint oil essence or lavander oil essence to have perfum w it…
i try tomorrow or next days..
have a great free time and relax ,
best regards to all
CIAO FROM ITALY,let’s came all visit ITALY!
Comment by claudio from italy — October 10, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
My friend thinks that the Clorox Scooba solution is the same as Clorox 2, the color-safe “bleach” clothes detergent. Anybody know for sure? Cheaper to buy the Clorox 2 if it’s the same forumla.
Comment by deb from florida — January 5, 2008 @ 12:12 pm